There is Hope Again

"We just hope he is healthy and can enjoy a normal life, playing outside just like other kids. That's good enough." Mohd Hanif said while fondly holding his kid. As for Emilia, she left it to the Almighty Allah and prayed that the operation will be successful.

Whenever there is any outbreak of civil war, the toughest problem to tackle for the international community is normally the exodus of refugees. Stranded in foreign land with minimal sense of security, Mohd Mubariq, a little boy from Myanmar, is however exceptionally lucky as his life was saved.

Two years ago, when Mubariq was only seven months old, he was found having high fever with bruises appearing all over his body, lips and nails. He was also having breathing difficulty. Upon examination, he was found to be suffering from a hole in the heart and the only way to save his life was an operation.

How to obtain the funds for the exorbitant medical charges? Mohd Hanif has no relatives around, and he works as a garbage collector, earning a meager income of RM500. As such, he is finding it hard to make ends meet and the cost of the operation is certainly beyond his means. He then went round looking for donation and finally sought assistance from the UNHCR.

Management of Gleneagles Medical Center came to his rescue by reducing the medical charges from RM40,000 to about RM28,000; and this amount was jointly sponsored by UNHCR, New Straits Times and Tzu Chi Kuala Lumpur Branch. The joint efforts of the four organizations have saved a little life.

On 4 October 2006, three-year old Mubariq was admitted to Gleneagles Medical Center at Ampang Kuala Lumpur and the operation was conducted the following day.

Recovery of patient is important

Little Mubariq was resting in bed looking at the stream of visitors coming to see him, probably trying to recognize them.

"My heart aches whenever I see other kids having a fun time running around and my poor Mubariq is bed-ridden and could not play with balls as he had wished to."Mother Emilia Harnim talked about her son's condition, with tears rolling down her face.

"The arteries around the kid's heart and lungs are considerably narrower as compared to others. The surgery should have taken place much earlier!"

The Gleneagles Medical Center has more than ten years' experience in such surgery and the mortality rate is almost nil. Dr Lin Mein Kang, who has previous dealings with Tzu Chi, commented, "The success of the operation depends not just on me alone. It is the joint efforts of the whole medical team. I'm just doing what I should do as a medical personnel. As a doctor, it is my duty to help patients; at least alleviate the suffering of those terminal patients. All these are part of the missions of doctors." Dr Lin Mein Kang is a caring pediatric cardiac specialist and he visits the ward frequently to monitor the condition of the kid.

Stuart J.V Pack, CEO of Gleneagles Medical Center, expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by NGOs and religious groups in providing emergency assistance to patients. No matter what their background is, it is the wish of the hospital to see the patients recover from sickness and leave the hospital happily.

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Just when Hanif is in dire straits, their good friends, Omar and wife Ana, whom they have known for eight years, came to offer some help.

Omar, who is a policeman, has applied to the authority and obtained a permit for Hanif to operate a stall and sell roti canai during the fasting month. This helps to provide some additional income. Omar and wife have no children of their own after many years of marriage but they have taken a liking to Mubariq and his one-month old brother.

In order to lighten the burden on Emilia Harnim, Ana also offered to baby-sit for the younger child so that Emilia can fully concentrate on Mubariq in hospital. In times of need, Ana is ever ready to listen to Emilia and comfort her if required.

The day of the operation finally came. The effect of anesthetics put Mubariq fell into deep slumber. Father Hanif was seen touching him gently while mother Emilia placed her hope to the Almighty Allah.

"We just hope he is healthy and enjoy a normal life, playing outside just like other kids. That's good enough."

Meeting a kind soul

"Thanks to UNHCR, NGOs and other charity organizations as without them we wouldn't know how to save our son? Though it's difficult to reciprocate, we just wish to thank everyone who has provided assistance." Emilia said to our volunteers as she saw her kid being wheeled into the operating theatre at about 1.30pm.

The four hours of operation was a long wait. The anxious moment was over when the parents saw Mubariq wheeled out of the operating theatre and looking better.

"I kept asking my Abang whether I'm dreaming or not. I just can't believe my son has gone through a successful operation." It was a big relief for Emilia to see her kid out of danger now.

"His condition will improve further. Not everyone is as lucky as he is. Thanks to the support of everyone concerned or else he may not recover so fast." said Dr Lin Mein Kang.

We are all a big family

On 11th October, Mubariq was discharged!

Mubariq suffered bouts of infection, but with sheer determination and proper medical attention, he recovered.

Mubariq has a speedy recovery and good appetite. Soon, he can play football with their neighbours' kids.

To celebrate his new lease of life, the volunteers planned a surprise for Mubariq. On the following day after his discharge, the volunteers brought a birthday cake and Mubariq was visibly very happy. Everyone sang him the birthday song and performed the sign language"One Big Family" wishing him all the best.

"Because of the differences in language, we can't quite understand the meaning of the song. However, we could feel the meaning and message." Emilia said it from the bottom of her heart.

At the party, Hanif and wife were very touched and said, "To be able to receive assistance in a foreign land is indeed the blessings of my son. The loving kindness from so many people transcending religion and race has indeed touched us deeply; especially the kind wishes and support that we received during his hospitalization which have comforted us very much.

Staying with Hanif and wife in the same shoplots are few other Myanmar refugees recognized by UNHCR. When they saw Hanif and wife having a good time chatting to Tzu Chi volunteers, one Jasabeth was moved to tears. "In the past, we saw Mubariq suffering in pain and felt sad. During his hospitalization, we prayed very hard for him and wished him speedy recovery." Jasabeth was glad to see that Mubariq has been given a new lease of life.

"The kid's father trusted us enormously. In fact, he was the one who frequently initiated contacts with us, just like a family." Chan Li Foong, who was the volunteer-in-attendance, has a lot to share. Mubariq stopped his game and stood near the entrance to wave goodbye to the volunteers while his parents kept saying "Terima Kasih".

Though the volunteers have gone off a fair distance, Mubariq still stood there to wave goodbye. With the blessings of many, the volunteers wished that Mubariq will have a brighter tomorrow.

Volunteer Chan Li Foong was carrying Mubariq while the admission papers were procesed at the Gleneagles Medical Center. Left was Mr Wen Min Min, a staff of Gleneagles Medical Center, who coordinated all matters on behalf of the three sponsoring parties.【Photograph by Sam Pin Fook】

All their anxiety disappeared when Mubariq's parents saw his speedy recovery. A party celebrating his new lease of life was attended by many neighborhood kids.【Photograph by Gan Chian Nee】